Tuesday, February 15, 2011

209

We were on 7D for 209 days…that’s a long time. Since it was such a long time, goodbyes were really hard. I was in tears all morning…and was a blubbering baby when we left the hospital. Great thing was, Cale walked out! He walked! First he had his walker as we left the unit and walked the hall through the spinal cord unit, and then before he walked outside, we took the walker away! It was the moment that I had been praying for! Hopefully I’ll have video of it soon to show!

Once we were at the airport, everything went very smoothly. In fact, the staff at the airport were so great! They even upgraded us to 1st class! This was our first time being spoiled with such roomy seats…and a person could get used to it! We were even served food! :)

Have any of you played Crazy Eights for 2 hours? I have! I asked Cale a few times if he just wanted to relax and listen to music and he would say, “No, let’s play!” So we did!

I have a couple pictures from today, but this internet won't load them, so I'll try to get them up tomorrow!

Seattle greeted us with rain. I asked the soldier that picked us up from the airport if the weather man has talked about sun…he said no. We’ll see! I hear that there has been sun for a tiny bit through the day!

So…5 minutes after being at the hospital, Cale grabbed my arm with a panic look on his face and said, “I hate this place!” Like I suspected, Cale had in his mind that home was where we were headed. I keep trying to remind him that we’re only here for a short time, and then we’ll be home. This is the last stop! The time we spend here sounds like it’s going to be short and we’re totally ok with that!

I’ve been having a hard time with being here too. It’s definitely different here. I knew it was going to be and I knew we had been spoiled in CA, but the small things that have changed seem to be the really hard ones. One of them being, he’s sharing a bathroom with the patient next door. I’ve already experienced an awkward first impression as I walked in on him while he was using the um…toilet. Yep.

I keep reminding myself that I’m tired and it’s only the first night. It will get better! I have to keep reminding myself to breathe…just breathe.

We have been making escape plans…do you think we’ll get caught?

Tonight I'm in the room with Cale and then I'll be at the Fisher House tomorrow. We put two hospital beds together, so tonight will be us together finally! There is no internet in the hospital for me to use my laptop, but they do have a community center with a computer (a very slow one!), that I'm using to type this up real quick. I just found out...they have Bingo here! Yay! This is going to be great news for Cale! :)

My Dear, You're here. I am so excited. I look forward to late next week or so, so I can come and see you. I am so glad the airport trip went smooth. First Class is only right, you are a first class lady...yup, yup, yup you are. About the sun, there was some today, but if you blinked you missed it. You know if you get caught during the GREAT ESCAPE, just tell the guard you're out for a stroll. :) I remember a friend telling me the military resort in OR is so much nicer than Pacific Beach, and $20 plus cheaper a night. The catch is you have to share a bathroom. I would rather pay the extra and have a private place for the...uh...private times. I guess this brings a whole new meaning to knock before you enter. Cale walked out of the last place, Father has such wonderous things in store here in the rainy Seattle area VA hospital. I just know you will be blown away with what Father has for you. Hugs and much love, Marion Oh, by the way, I predict some blackouts for Cale's BINGO nights. :)

hee hee hee.... planning a break out already???? I'm sure Cale will enjoy that. I am glad you were able to stay with him for his first night... I am praying for things to go as smoothly as possible and for Cale to adjust. Poor guy thinking he was going home. Hooray for one step closer to that being a reality! ~heather

You are almost there, Sissy! I know this transition will be tough but God will get you through it just like he has with every other obstacle you've come up against, He is paving the way before you! Home is so close and now that you're only a few hours away I am betting you and Cale will be getting all kinds of visitors! I hope we can be there soon, I don't know what the future holds for us yet but you can believe as soon as we are in the same state Ty and I will get to you and Cale no matter what we have to do to make it happen. Love you bunches Sissy!

There is an old song that goes " One day at a time sweet Jesus that's all I'm asking from you, just give me the strength to do what I have to do.." One moment one day at a time and soon Cale will be walking out the door of that place and into your home my darling. Praying for peace of mind,for rest for you both and for this to be as short a time as it needs to be,I love you.Charlie and Jean

Hey, Leena, I have been trying to keep up with you although I have been babysitting and traveling around. I am so glad that your trip went so well. First Class even!! What do you think God might be saying here? I think He is reminding you that you have a front row seat to a mircalous production that he is performing right before your eyes and that He is on the scene and has the perfect outcome for you both waiting just around the corner.

Amen JULIE ! I should just say Ditto on th last statement so excited at what God is doing in Caleb and through both of you !!!!! LOve it ! Blessings to you both ! Hang in there - you are almost home...love to you both ! Reenie